Reverse the wrapping to get to the gift. Using the idea of unwrapping a gift, the lesson introduces the concept of inverses. Pupils first determine the order needed to evaluate a function at a point, then use the reverse to find the...

Graph polynomials and identify the end behavior of each polynomial function. The class differentiates between linear, quadratic, and other polynomial equations.

Graph linear equations using a table of values. Learners solve equations in two variables using standard form of an equation. They identify the relationship between x and y values.

Not all linear functions are linear transformations — show your class the difference. The first instructional activity in a unit on linear transformations and complex numbers that spans 32 segments introduces the concept of linear...

Graph and solve linear equations in two variables. The class relates the concepts of linear equations to the real world.

Learners investigate trigonometric function.  In this Algebra II instructional activity, high schoolers explore functional notation and transformational graphing of trigonometric functions. 

High schoolers determine the linear equations of the density of water and oil by collecting data on the mass of various volumes of each liquid. They construct scatter plots from the data and use these to write the linear equations for...

What kind of functions have holes in their graphs? Here, the teacher guides the class on how to use the simplified function of a rational function to aid in the graphing of the original rational function. T-tables are used in order...

Show learners the power of mathematics as they model real-life designs. Pupils graph a periodic function by comparing the degree of rotation to the height of a ferris wheel. 

Examine the power of technology while modeling with polynomial functions. Using the website wolfram alpha, learners develop a polynomial function to model the shape of a riverbed. Ultimately, they determine the flow rate through the river.

Extend the concept of exponents to irrational numbers. In the fifth installment of a 35-part module, individuals use calculators and rational exponents to estimate the values of 2^(sqrt(2)) and 2^(pi). The final goal is to show that the...

Give your class a concrete example of exponential growth and decay using this hands-on activity. These Algebra II lessons allow for the exploration of exponential growth and decay models, as well as the discovery of the patterns of...

Linear, quadratic, and now cubic functions can model real-life patterns. High schoolers create cubic regression equations to model different scenarios. They then use the regression equations to make predictions.

Doing is more effective than watching. Learners use spaghetti to discover the relationship between the unit circle and the graph of the sine and cosine functions. As they measure lengths on the unit circle and transfer them to a...

These aren't models made of clay. Young mathematicians model given population data using exponential functions. They consider different models and choose the best one.

If two is company and three's a crowd, then what's e? Scholars observe how changes in the base affect the graph of a logarithmic function. They then graph the natural logarithm function and learn that all logarithmic functions can be...

Given a value of one trigonometric function, it is easy to determine others. Learners use the periodicity of trigonometric functions to develop properties. After studying the graphs of sine, cosine, and tangent, the lesson connects...

Linear or not linear — that is the question. The lesson plan has class members translate descriptions into algebraic expressions. They take the written expressions and determine whether they are linear or nonlinear based upon the...

If a linear function and a quadratic function enter a boxing match, which one would win? Learners first review how to find key features of linear and quadratic functions. Next, they compare key features of pairs of functions.

Use this series of activities to introduce learners to graphing functions. They graph both linear and quadratic equations by hand and with a Graph Sketcher Tool. Several imbedded links and handouts are included in the lesson.

Students use a table, graph or equation to represent a quadratic function. In this algebra lesson, students model and graph with quadratic function. They become comfortable representing quadratics using different methods.

Middle and high schoolers solve problems involving linear equations, inequalities, quadratics, radicals, systems of equations, exponents, and polynomials. Many of the problems encompass a review of Algebra I. This 10-page worksheet...

Students explore the concept of piecewise functions. In this piecewise functions lesson, students graph piecewise functions by hand and find the domain and range. Students make tables of values given a piecewise function. Students write...

Algebra II classes solve problems relating to piecewise functions, step functions, and decomposition/composition of functions. They utilize links to work with real world examples. Mr. Pleacher has added humor to the lesson by including...